Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt during OTA workouts on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in Berea. (Phil Masturzo/USA Today Network)
On Thursday, New England Patriots fans heard from Alex Van Pelt for the first time since he was hired as the team’s new offensive coordinator earlier this month. The team released a one-minute clip of Van Pelt talking about some of his key philosophies as an offensive coordinator.
Van Pelt’s background is entirely outside the Patriots’ traditional coaching tree, having spent most of his time in Green Bay and Cleveland. Given that, these kinds of behind-the-scenes looks are educational and valuable as we go about projecting the Patriots’ upcoming offseason and what the offense will look like in 2024.
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In the video, which is mostly clips of what looks like a longer, sit-down interview, Van Pelt hits on four main topics – teamwork/chemistry, scheme, running the ball, and quarterbacks.
"We'll play for each other, the most important guy on the field is to your left and to your right."
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 14, 2024
Alex Van Pelt on being the new offensive coordinator in New England. pic.twitter.com/gjrcR5Hq26
What can we take away from this short Van Pelt clip? Here’s what he had to say about all four of those topics…
Teamwork/chemistry
Van Pelt:”As long as this group will always understand that we’ll play for each other first and foremost – the most important guy in the field is to your left and to your right. If we can get that going, we’re going to do some good things…Teams that are close and that are connected – connected is a big word that I’ll use – the connectivity – those teams always play better. Getting to know these guys, getting to love these guys as players and people I think will make us all better in the long run.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) meets with Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, center, and Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]
Browns 10This one doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Much of the initial reporting about Van Pelt was what he brings as a leader, tone setter, and culture-builder. Right from the jump, he’s highlighting that element of his approach.
Scheme
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 21: Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Van Pelt: “I think a good coordinator does what’s best for his players. I think a lot of guys will have [a] scheme that they understand and they have familiarity with as coordinators. But if it doesn’t fit the player, then how good is the scheme really? So, a good coordinator will often take the strengths of the players that he has, play to their strengths, while at the same time being able to protect them from their weaknesses.”
Now this quote may come as the highlight to many Patriots fans. Over the past few years amid the team’s offensive struggles, one of the main talking points has been the inability to get the most out of players in the context of the offensive scheme. Based on this, it sounds like Van Pelt will be more flexible in his approach, tailoring roles for the players who will be filling them.
Running the ball
Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Van Pelt: “You know, I think running the football in this league wins games, wins championships. Being able to do that late into the season.”
This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. During Van Pelt’s tenure in Cleveland the Browns had the second-most rushing attempts in the NFL (30.3 per game), behind only the Baltimore Ravens. He believes in running the ball, and uses that run to set up explosive plays off of play action. It would be surprising to see that core concept change in New England. This could be a busy (contract) year for Rhamondre Stevenson.
Quarterbacks
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots and Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots warm up before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Van Pelt: “Quarterback play is a big part of what I believe in. Putting him in a position to be successful. And if you can make that guy be successful, oftentimes your offense is successful.”
It’s not exactly breaking news that a former NFL quarterback is going to prioritize the QB position. At the same time, this goes with Van Pelt’s comments about scheme fitting players. Over the last two years it felt at times like the Patriots’ were making things more difficult for their starting quarterback (this applies to both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe) than easier. Based on what Van Pelt says here, the 2024 starter – whoever that is – should have a softer landing spot.
